Today, it was revealed that NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch made a final ruling to disregard the police department judge’s recommendation to fire Lieutenant Jonathan Rivera, who shot and killed Allan Feliz during a traffic stop in Washington Heights in October 2019. NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Trials Rosemarie Maldonado recommended terminating Lieutenant Rivera after a disciplinary trial, finding that he was not justified in shooting Feliz. In response, Speaker Adrienne Adams, Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, and Council Member Carmen De La Rosa issued the following joint statement.

“NYPD Commissioner Tisch’s final ruling to disregard the trial recommendation of her department’s own deputy commissioner and judge to fire Lieutenant Rivera for killing Allan Feliz betrays public trust, which is essential to advancing true public safety. By allowing Lieutenant Rivera to remain on the force, Mayor Adams and Commissioner Tisch are facilitating the continuation of corrupt practices. There is no eliminating corruption without addressing the repeated lack of accountability for police abuses that denies families of victims and all New Yorkers an NYPD that is accountable. Our hearts are with the Feliz family, and we stand with them as they consider their next steps in pursuit of accountability for Allan, who should still be alive today.”

###